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Utetezi Arts and Insights
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Projects

Building Resilient Communities through Theatre: Addressing Climate Change and Resource Depletion in Turkana County - 2025

Summary

Utetezi Arts and Insights, in partnership with Prof. Karin Waidley from the University of Michigan and Prof. Jackson Kitetu from Kabarak University, implemented a Theatre for Development (TfD) program that investigates the intersection of climate change, resource depletion, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Northern Kenya. The project combines scientific evidence, cultural knowledge and community-driven theatre to build resilience, promote gender equity, and develop sustainable strategies for prevention and advocacy in the Lodwar/Lake Turkana region.

Status: Completed

IMAGE: Oceansteps and University of Michigan

Tangible Outcomes:
  • Project grounded in scientific knowledge presented at Kabarak University.
  • Integrated cultural knowledge that is useful in Climate Action.
  • Training focussed on equipping community members with knowledge and skills for continued and independe action.
Key Stats
  • 12 participants from Turkana community
  • 3 days of training

A Climate Story: The Devised Theatre Lab - 2025

Summary

Utetezi Arts and Insights developed a comprehensive impact and feedback system to assess participant growth, program outcomes, and the long-term influence of this devised theatre lab on climate storytelling. The system included baseline, daily, post-program, and follow-up evaluations over three years to generate longitudinal insight. This program was implemented by 492 Korna Club from the UK, with support from the British Council.

The initial program insight report is available for download by clicking here.

Status: Ongoing

IMAGE: Jamo.Ports and 492 Korna Club

Tangible Outcomes:
  • A pre-training survey to understand attendee expectations, mindset, knowledge and skill levels.
  • Mid-program check-in for progress and direction mapping.
  • Post-program survey to check learning and knowledge acquisition rate and program feedback.
  • Culminating showcase at the Kenya National Theatre, provoking the audience into a fierce but impactful debate in climate action.
Key Stats
  • 12 participants (8 professional, 4 students)
  • 10 days of training
  • 8 professionals opted-in for longitudinal follow-up
  • 1 Insight Report produced

Pokeza Skills Program (PSP) - Partnership

Summary

The Pokeza Skills Program (PSP) by BTM Storytellers is a 12-week immersive training initiative designed to equip emerging theatre professionals with the expertise needed to thrive in Kenya’s highly competitive creative industry. The program blends theoretical learning, hands-on training, and real-world application, shaping well-rounded professionals who can navigate the evolving creative sector.

In 2025, Utetezi Arts & Insights joined PSP as a key partner, bringing expertise in program tracking, feedback management, and longitudinal impact analysis to support program learning and strategic development. For participants, we delivered an empowering curriculum focused on tech-based creative entrepreneurship, equipping young artists with the tools to thrive in a digital creative economy as practicing advocates, especially deploying measurable approaches to sustainability.

Status: Ongoing

IMAGE: Sanaa Post and BTM Storytellers

Tangible Outcomes:
  • Practical training in theatre, storytelling, and industry best practices.
  • Integration of advocacy principles to strengthen artists’ roles in societal transformation.
  • Development of theatre professionals with both creative and social impact expertise.
  • Provision of digital tools for creative entreprenuership and measurable strategies.
Key Stats
  • 12-week structured program
  • ~20 students per cohort
  • Public showcase with 500+ attendees
  • Hands-on training for seamless transition into professional careers
  • Trained as knowledge ambassadors to drive impact in their communities

Masterclass and Launch of the Data Storytelling Toolkit - 2025

Summary

Utetezi led a masterclass at the Filamu Film Festival, Multimedia University, introducing the concept of data storytelling to emerging filmmakers, demonstrating how creative professionals can translate research and statistics into compelling visual narratives. The session doubled as the pilot launch of the Data Storytelling Toolkit which is available in the Toolkits page.

Status: Completed

IMAGE: Ken Maritim and Multimedia University

Tangible Outcomes:
  • An informative discussion on approaching storytelling from as informed by data.
  • A useful Data Storytelling Toolkit launched.
  • Positive feedback and filmmaker potential to benefit from the toolkit.
Key Stats
  • ~30 filmmakers present.
  • 1 toolkit launched.

Conversations - Short Film Production (2024)

Summary

As a producer of Conversations (written and directed by Glady Mwende), Utetezi Arts & Insights brought to life a powerful and emotionally charged short film exploring the profound challenges of grief and loss. The film follows a young couple struggling with the unimaginable pain of losing a newborn, exposing the emotional and relational strain that follows.

Status: Completed

IMAGE: 8th Sun Studios

Tangible Outcomes:
  • A deeply moving film informed by real-life conversations with three mothers who experienced newborn loss.
  • A scheduled global festival circuit release, creating awareness and dialogue on grief, loss, and emotional resilience.
  • Planned communal screenings followed by facilitated discussions on navigating loss.
Key Stats
  • Based on real conversations with 3 mothers who shared their experiences of loss.
  • Set for global film festival submissions and advocacy screenings, targeting 20 festivals.
  • Designed to spark dialogue and healing in community settings.

SGBV Awareness & Resilience - 2023

Summary

As an implementing partner, Utetezi Arts and Insights managed the execution of the Building Awareness and Resilience on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence program, spearheaded by The Kenya International Theatre Festival Trust and the US Embassy in Nairobi. The project, guided by data from the US Embassy, was implemented across Nairobi, Meru, Kajiado, and Turkana Counties, engaging artistic women’s groups actively involved in community advocacy.

Status: Completed

IMAGE: L Biko Nyongesa, Mcheza Sinema Mentorship Program and KITFT

Tangible Outcomes:
  • Theatre-for-development workshops fostering awareness and resilience against SGBV.
  • Artistic interventions tailored to local contexts, addressing cultural and social challenges.
  • Community engagement events amplifying voices and driving dialogue on SGBV.
  • Culminating showcase at the Kenya National Theatre, bringing rural and urban communities together for collective advocacy.
Key Stats
  • 4 Counties covered: Nairobi, Meru, Kajiado, Turkana
  • 3 Artistic women’s groups engaged
  • 89 direct trainees empowered in theatre-based advocacy
  • 1,850+ community members reached through engagement events
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